Closure cap for container

ABSTRACT

A cap suitable for closure and reclosure of a container, especially when the container is pressurized, consists of a top and a side wall which is essentially cylindrical and is flexible. The cap is provided with a clamp and flexible band so pivoted that moving the handle toward the container cap draws a flexible band tightly around the periphery of the cylindrical wall compressing it against the container and effecting a tight seal. The cap may be grooved or have blind holes around the inner surface of the cylindrical wall in order to increase the flexibility of the side wall and to provide what are in effect suction cups.

United States Patent [191 Eskenazi Sept. 10, 1974 CLOSURE CAP FOR CONTAINER [22] Filed: Oct. 20, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 299,496

"[52] US. Cl. "2157272 [51] Int. Cl B65d 45/34 [58] Field of Search 215/45, 87, 96; 220/55 R, 220/55 AN; 292/256.69

9/1907 Great Britain 215/96 Primary Examiner-Donald F. Norton Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Blum, Moscovitz, Friedman & Kaplan [57] ABSTRACT A cap suitable for closure and reclosure of a container, especially when the container is pressurized, consists of a top and a side wall which is essentially cylindrical and is flexible. The cap is provided with a clamp and flexible band so pivoted that moving the handle toward the container cap draws a flexible band tightly around the periphery of the cylindrical wall compressing it against the container and effecting a tight seal. The cap may be grooved or have blind holes around the inner surface of the cylindrical wall in order to increase the flexibility of the side wall and to provide what are in effect suction cups.

8 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEDSEP 1 01914 I I 3.aa4.572 SNEEI 1 BF 2 Pmmensmmw I 3.834.572

Y sum 2 or 2 7 K////// /l/]l/// CLOSURE CAP FOR CONTAINER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION brands of tennis-ball containers. However, once the permanent seal on the tennis-ball container has been opened, the pressure within the can is atmospheric so that a plastic cap pressed into place over the mouth of the can need withstand no pressure difference.

Where a wide-mouthed container is to be closed, either initially, or after opening one or more times and where the container holds a quantity of liquid in which is dissolved gas under pressure, then there will be initial pressure to contend with or the pressure which builds up after reclosing the container. In such a case, the type of friction fit provided by the usual cap is completely inadequate. Essentially the same problem is encountered with narrow-mouthed bottles, but naturally the problem is not so severe unless, as may be the case, the internal pressure is unusually high.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A cap suitable for initial closure of or reclosing a pressurized container includes a top portion and a cylindrical portion depending therefrom which fits Over the outside of a container to be sealed. A flexible band which is longer than the circumference of the cap is fastened at one end proximate the cylindrical wallof the cap. The other end of the band is fastened pivotedly to a clamp handle, one end of which is fastened pivotedly to the cylindrical wall of the cap. The position of the clamp handle is such that pushing it toward the cap draws one end of the band over and beyond the other end of the band, placing the band in tension and thereby compressing the flexible wall of the cap against the container of suitable diameter. The arrangement is such that the handle locks when the band is placed under tension. Such a cap is especially suitable for reclosure of a can containing a carbonated beverage.

Cylindrical grooves or staggered blind holes may be formed in the interior surface of the cylindrical wall with the objective of increasing the flexibility thereof and forming what are, in effect, suction cups which help to improve the quality of the seal providedby the cylindrical wall against leakage of the gases contained in the sealed container.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved cap-seal for a pressurized container.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved cap-seal suitable either for initial closure or reclosure of a pressurized container.

A further Object of the present invention is to provide an improved cap-seal wherein firm contact is established between said cap and a container by means of an adjustable tension band.

An important object of the present invention is to provide an improved cap-seal wherein a tension band responsible for sealing said cap to a container can be locked into position.

the article hereinafter described, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in-the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THEDRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a cap in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view in partial cross-section of the same cap;

FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away plan view of the cap of FIG. 1 in combination with a handle and a tension-band for compressing the side wall of the cap;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view in partial cross-section of a pivot portion of the cap-seal of FIG. 3; and

FIGS. 5 and 6 are elevational views in cross-section of further embodiments of the cap of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A cap, generally denoted by the reference numeral 11 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 where cap 11 consists of top wall 12, tabs 13 and fingers 14 partially spanning groove 15 in side wall 16.

The minimum interior diameter of cap 11 is the surface 17 and is so selected as to be a slip fit over the container such as a can, to be closed. For ease of placement of the cap 11 on a container, the bottom of side wall 16 is internally chamferred as shown at 18.

Tabs 13 are apertured at 19 to receive rivet 21 (FIGS. 3 and 4). One end of band 22 is attached to rivet 21 as by welding or wrapping around the rivet 21 or other conventional means. The length of band 22 is substantially greater than the circumference of groove 15 for a reason which will appear below. The width of band 22 is such that it fits conveniently in groove 15 and is held in place therein by means of fingers 14. The depth of groove 15 is at least as great as the thickness of band 22.

Also fastened to rivet 21 is clamp handle 23. Attachment of handle 23 to rivet 21 is accomplished by means of apertures 24 in handle 23. Handle 23 is most conveniently arcuate, the internal radius of handle 23 being such that it can lie snugly against side wall 16 of cap 1 1, when said handle is in closed position.

Handle 23 is further apertured at 26 to hold rivet 27 to which the outer end of band 22 is fastened. Handle 23 is U-shaped over the portion indicated by the reference numeral 23a. However, the base of the U is cut away over the section indicated by the reference numerals 23b. The absence of the base of the U in the section 23b makes it possible for band 22 to lie between the opposing faces 23b and enter the U-shaped portion 23a for attachment to rivet 27. The width of band 22, the thickness of arms 23b and the spacing between tabs 13 are such that arms 23b can lie between band 22 and tabs 13 and be fastened to rivet 21 as shown in FIG. 4.

The sealing cap of the present invention is preferably made of a flexible plastic or a flexible rubber and can be molded in one piece, the flexibility of the material making it possible to remove said sealing cap from the mold despite the fact that there are undercuts present in the design. The tension band may be of a fiber-glass, reinforced plastic or of metal. A preferred metal is stainless steel. The thickness of the band will depend on the material used and on the degree of tension which is to be applied to the band. Assuming that the band is of stainless steel and is about 0.200 inch wide, then a suitable band thickness is between about 0.013 and 0.020 inch. The clamp handle is subjected to a substantial stress during the clamping operation and is therefore preferably of metal. Although aluminum can be used for the purpose, stainless steel is preferred.

It is necessary for the length of the developed band 22 to be greater than the circumference of the cylindrical side wall of cap 11 so that when clamp handle 23 is moved toward closed position, the portion of the band 22 near rivet 27 can overlap rivet 21 and permit the linkage consisting of the clamp handle 23, rivets 21 and 27, and band 22 to come to rest in locked, overcenter position.

Other embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. and 6. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, grooves 28 having lands 29 therebetween are formed on the interior 17 of the side walls 16. In clamping cap 11 to a container, air is forced out of the grooves 28 turning them into suction cups against accidental removal of the cap. Moreover, narrow lands 29 improve the quality of the contact between cap 11 and a container thereby improving the tightness of the seal achieved.

In the cap shown in FIG. 6, cylindrical blind holes are formed by molding in the interior of side wall 16. The holes 31 are not interconnected. Again, they function in the manner described with respect to groove 28 in FIG. 5.

The grooves 28 in FIG. 5 and the holes 31 in FIG. 6 are so located that the band 22 applies pressure on the exterior side wall 16, forcing interior of side wall 17 firmly against the outer circumference of the container. The clamping action against grooves 28 and holes 31 expels the air therein and creates a suction cup action against the side of the container, thus effecting a pressure-tight seal.

As noted above, the flexibility of the cap is sufficient so that the cap in any of its embodiments can be removed from a mold despite the fact that there are undercuts in the design.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above article without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

What is claimed is:

1. A cap for sealing an openable container, comprising a circular top wall, a flexible, essentially cylindrical side wall depending therefrom, a flexible band attached at one end thereof to said side wall said side wall ineluding therein a circumferential groove of width sufficient to receive said band and further including a pair of opposed tabs apertured in registry, lying above and below said groove, and a first rivet held in said apertures in said tabs, the developed length of said band being greater than the circumference of said side wall, and clamping means pivoted at one end proximate said cylindrical wall, said band being pivotedly joined at its other end to said clamping means at afirst position such that moving said clamping means toward said side wall draws said other end of said band over and beyond said one end and subjects said band to tension, thereby compressing said side wall against the container extenor.

2. A cap for sealing an openable container as defined in claim 1, wherein said one end of said band is attached to said tabs by means of said first rivet.

3. A cap for sealing an openable container as defined in claim 1, wherein said side wall further comprises at least one finger partially spanning said groove, said finger serving to hold said band in said groove.

4. A cap for sealing an openable container as defined in claim 1, wherein said clamping means is arcuate and is pivotedly fastened at one end to said first rivet.

5. A cap for sealing an openable container as defined in claim 1, wherein said clamping means is arcuate, is hollow at a region spaced apart from said first rivet, said hollow region including said first position, is apertured at said first position in a direction parallel to said first rivet, a second rivet is held in said first position aperture, and said other end of said band is pivotedly attached to said second rivet, said clamping means being arcuate with inner surface of radius such that it lies proximate said cap side wall when forced into position such as to put said band into tension.

6. A cap for sealing an openable container as defined in claim 1 wherein the interior of said cap side wall comprises a generally flat surface for engagement with exterior surface portions of a container of suitable diameter for sealing engagement therewith.

7. A cap for sealing an openable container comprising a circular top wall, a flexible, essentially cylindrical side wall depending therefrom, a flexible band attached at one end thereof to said side wall, the developed length of said band being greater than the circumference of said side wall, and clamping means pivoted at one end proximate said cylindrical wall, said band being pivotedly joined at its other end to said clamping means at a first position such that moving said clamping means toward said side wall draws said other end of said band over and beyond said one end and subjects said band to tension, thereby compressing said side wall against the container exterior, the interior of said cap wall having a plurality of grooves therein, thereby increasing the flexibility of said cap side wall and providing at least one narrow land for effective sealing against a container of suitable diameter.

8. A cap for sealing an openable container comprising a circular top wall, a flexible, essentially cylindrical side wall depending therefrom, a flexible band attached at one end thereof to said side wall, the developed length of said band being greater than the circumference of said side wall, and clamping means pivoted at one end proximate said cylindrical wall, said band being pivotedly joined at its other end to said clamping means at a first position such that moving said clamping means toward said side wall draws said other end of said band over and beyond said one end and subjects 6 and increasing the flexibility of said cap side wall and providing for effective sealing against a container of suitable diameter. 

1. A cap for sealing an openable container, comprising a circular top wall, a flexible, essentially cylindrical side wall depending therefrom, a flexible band attached at one end thereof to said side wall said side wall including therein a circumferential groove of width sufficient to receive said band and further including a pair of opposed tabs apertured in registry, lying above and below said groove, and a first rivet held in said apertures in said tabs, the developed length of said band being greater than the circumference of said side wall, and clamping means pivoted at one end proximate said cylindrical wall, said band being pivotedly joined at its other end to said clamping means at a first position such that moving said clamping means toward said side wall draws said other end of said band over and beyond said one end and subjects said band to tension, thereby compressing said side wall against the container exterior.
 2. A cap for sealing an openable container as defined in claim 1, wherein said one end of said band is attached to said tabs by means of said first rivet.
 3. A cap for sealing an openable container as defined in claim 1, wherein said side wall further comprisEs at least one finger partially spanning said groove, said finger serving to hold said band in said groove.
 4. A cap for sealing an openable container as defined in claim 1, wherein said clamping means is arcuate and is pivotedly fastened at one end to said first rivet.
 5. A cap for sealing an openable container as defined in claim 1, wherein said clamping means is arcuate, is hollow at a region spaced apart from said first rivet, said hollow region including said first position, is apertured at said first position in a direction parallel to said first rivet, a second rivet is held in said first position aperture, and said other end of said band is pivotedly attached to said second rivet, said clamping means being arcuate with inner surface of radius such that it lies proximate said cap side wall when forced into position such as to put said band into tension.
 6. A cap for sealing an openable container as defined in claim 1 wherein the interior of said cap side wall comprises a generally flat surface for engagement with exterior surface portions of a container of suitable diameter for sealing engagement therewith.
 7. A cap for sealing an openable container comprising a circular top wall, a flexible, essentially cylindrical side wall depending therefrom, a flexible band attached at one end thereof to said side wall, the developed length of said band being greater than the circumference of said side wall, and clamping means pivoted at one end proximate said cylindrical wall, said band being pivotedly joined at its other end to said clamping means at a first position such that moving said clamping means toward said side wall draws said other end of said band over and beyond said one end and subjects said band to tension, thereby compressing said side wall against the container exterior, the interior of said cap wall having a plurality of grooves therein, thereby increasing the flexibility of said cap side wall and providing at least one narrow land for effective sealing against a container of suitable diameter.
 8. A cap for sealing an openable container comprising a circular top wall, a flexible, essentially cylindrical side wall depending therefrom, a flexible band attached at one end thereof to said side wall, the developed length of said band being greater than the circumference of said side wall, and clamping means pivoted at one end proximate said cylindrical wall, said band being pivotedly joined at its other end to said clamping means at a first position such that moving said clamping means toward said side wall draws said other end of said band over and beyond said one end and subjects said band to tension, thereby compressing said side wall against the container exterior, the interior of said cap side wall having therein blind non-intersecting holes around the circumference of said cap side walls interior, said holes acting as suction cups after compression and increasing the flexibility of said cap side wall and providing for effective sealing against a container of suitable diameter. 